Being present for over 100 years on the markets worldwide is something only a handful of companies can be proud of. Panasonic is one of them and, needless to say, a top electronics company and a first-rate player in the audio industry. When it comes to the RF-2400D AM / FM Radio, do not be fooled by its simplistic design. From focusing on details and practicality to advanced features, Panasonic does not fail to deliver once again. What is different? Why choose the RF-2400D? Is it worth it? Bear with us as we break down the Panasonic RF-2400D and try to answer these questions, and more.
Design
The first thing that comes to mind when looking at the Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM Radio is simplicity. The rustic black – silver – gray combination offers mild contrast. Also, the gentle edgings give the RF-2400D an overall bohemian appearance. On the front side of the rectangular box, the 10cm single speaker occupies some two-thirds – central and left – of the radio. On the top right side, you will find the FM / AM switch with and the MHz / kHz dial scale with the good old orange Fluorescent Pointer below it. The round-shaped, easy-to-use tuning knob is positioned on the right wall, together with the volume knob and an earphones jack. The antenna coming from the back wall extends to up to 60 cm, which is a promising indicator of the receiving capacities of the Rf-24000D. The handle, coming from both sides of the radio does not fold in it, as most handles would do. Rather, it goes behind the radio and can act as support for the radio, which can be set up under an approximately 45-60 degrees angle. Cool little detail. The battery compartment is on the back side of the radio. On the left side of the RF-2400D is the plug in for the AC cord. Most certainly, F-2400D would easily find its place in many traditionally designed rooms. Perhaps, on a corner table with dime lighting, adding up to a homey atmosphere.
The only thing that some people might not like is that the RF-2400D Radio has no clock on it. Even though for many radios, the hour-minute clocks are a must have, Panasonic decided to go simple and leave that out.
Dimensions
(Width x Height x Depth) [Approximately] – 234 x 122 x 82 mm
Weight (Without Batteries) – 690g
Usability
First of all, the extra-large numbers on the dial scale, combined with the luminous pointer make it easy to find the desired frequency. Additionally, the Automatic Frequency Control which the Panasonic RF-2400D Radio comes with, makes the job 10 times easier. Also, the Panasonic RF-2400D radio successfully passed the Left-handed oil test. It is a test many designers practice on beta versions to assess a product’s usability by oiling one’s non-dominant hand and trying to use the device with it. This simulates what it may be like to use by a person with dexterity problems, for example, arthritis. The ribbed tuning knob provides a solid non-slippery grip and is extremely easy to turn. Additionally, there is a ribbed rounding stretching height-ways on both sides of the back. This extra detail provides a stable grip when you are handling the RF-2400D with both hands. It is almost like holding a gaming controller, providing an overall nice feel in the hands. That all makes the Panasonic RF-2400D easy to use by the elderly, and most people in general. Having the battery power supply as an option makes the RF-2400D usable in times of power disruptions. In dark areas, the fluorescent pointer makes it easier to find frequencies.
Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM
As you might have expected from a sonic quality manufacturer like Panasonic, and considering the rather affordable price, the Panasonic RF-2400D has a lot to offer.
Perhaps the coolest is the fact that the RF-2400D has a double power source. You can either use the classic AC plug as an external source, or simply put in 4 AA batteries. By putting in an internal power source, Panasonic made the RF-2400D a portable radio. On the downside, the RF-2400D is not water-resistant, so you might want to be careful when using it outside.
Tuner
The Tuner of Panasonic RF-2400D has a Frequency Range of FM 87 – 108MHz (50kHz step) AM 520 – 1730kHz (9/10kHz step). The Tuning is digital. Moreover, the AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) offers a rather easy tuning and crystal-clear reception. Unlike the traditional Analog tuners, AFC has an expanded reception range. With it, the manual tuning needs to be less exact, as the AFC selects the nearest station automatically. It does also eliminate most of the background noises while tuning, offering a more pleasant experience. And lastly, the tuning red led light is displayed on the top-right corner of the front side of the radio. It lights up when you are in tune, making the tuning extremely easy.
- Double power source – AC/battery;
- Earphones jack;
- Easy Tuning with new AFC;
- Clear Sound;
- Large Easy-To-See Scale
- No Clock;
- Mono 3.5mm Jack – No Stereo;
- No DC-in Jack;
- No Digital Synthesizer Tuner
Power
As mentioned above, the RF-2400D has both an internal and external power source. The external is the conventional AC plug, coming at 230V, 50Hz.
The power consumption of the AC is 3W. The internal power supply consists of 4 batteries – DC 6V (R6/LR6, AA, UM-3).
Using R6 batteries, the speaker has some 21 hours of battery life, i.e. 52-55 hours of battery life with LR6 batteries.
Audio
The audio system has a power output of maximum 770mW, coming out of a 10cm full range speaker. As mentioned above, there is a 3.5mm earphones jack on the side of the radio. Therefore, the RF-2400D can also serve as a persona music device, if needed. Unfortunately, the 3.5mm Jack is mono, and not stereo. In other words, if you were to plug your earphones in, the sound would be emitted through only one earphone (the left one).
Conclusion
According to us, the Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM might be one of the best portable radios out there. Despite some minor flaws, such as the mono 3.5mm jack, at this price, the RF-2400D is definitely a buy. We believe that with all the cool features, good usability and attention, you can easily look over the few cons. The RF-2400D is yet another reminder why Panasonic is at the top of most technology companies lists of the last century. Having that in mind, when you buy the Panasonic RF-2400D AM / FM Radio, you buy more than a radio. You buy tradition, proven high quality, durability, and you do so at a very affordable price. If we were in need of a good radio on a budget, the RF-2400D AM / FM Radio would be our obvious choice, no doubt.
